Guest Editor Theresa A., Chicago IL: I’m a seasoned media pro, frequently travel alone, and always take sensible precautions to protect myself. From my more than 40 years of experience on the road here are some suggestions I tell other women travelers:

1. It’s OK to stay in inexpensive hotels, hostels and bed-and-breakfasts that have good reputations. When making plans, check the latest safety info on internet travel sites.

2. When you meet a man for the first time at cafés and social events, never leave alone with the stranger. No matter how smooth his line is, if you’re not absolutely sure he’s safe, don’t go.

Not just those bargain dinners at the pancake house. You’ve spent a lifetime earning your senior citizen status. You deserve a break today, as well as for many future days, nights, weekends and holidays. Also on land, at sea and in the air. Consider the opportunities:

Restaurants: Arrange dinner visits when early bird specials are in effect, usually from 4 or 5 pm. At any time, check the menu or ask the server about senior specials.

Car rental: If the trip requires driving, make sure your license and insurance coverages are current. Check online or with your local travel agent for best senior discount deals from Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise and Budget.

In the 21st Century, tourism has added a new practice, the selfie. They can be very creative, as well as annoying and intrusive as hell to other people. And sometimes, actually illegal.

Of course, there’s nothing basically wrong with selfing to record memories of events and sights you’re experiencing. That’s traditional for creative seniors since Michelangelo selfied his own image to create the statue of Moses. However, when you’re thinking of using a selfie stick or pointing your smartphone at someone, use some consideration.

An incident at Manhattan’s Times Square should remind senior tourists to be wary. Particularly at that busy New York locale, as well as at other popular spots, including Hollywood Boulevard and Rome’s Colosseum, danger lurks.

The recent Times Square trouble happened when a tourist refused to pay while photographing a nearby costumed character. He angrily attacked her, resulting in injuries to her and jail time for him.

As expected, there are two sides to the situation. Of course, whatever the reason, he had no right to attack the woman. However, costumed characters earn their livings by posing with tourists. As with all street performers throughout history, everyone passing by should be aware of it. Those willing to pose are expected to pay.

Advice: The decision is yours. If you don’t want to pose and pay, tell the approaching costumed character in specific words. A simple no thank you and continued walking should be sufficient. If that doesn’t work, be more emphatic with the refusal. If you fear violence, get away quickly, find a police officer and report the incident.